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Juvenile Fitness: Running for More Than Just Fun
by Mark Clastentine
http://www.fitnessdemon.com
Kids are always running instead of walking, skipping
instead of running, etc., so we always view children as so
full of energy. While you may think they are putting them
selves in danger, this is actually the best and most
natural behavior for children. It will lay the foundation
for a lifetime of fitness as adults, besides keeping the
child physically fit right now. Let your child run to his
or her heart's content unless your child is medically
challenged, or if you see danger in any of their exercises,
if you want to insure a healthy future for your child.
As part of a fitness plan, you may want to establish
guidelines for your child's running. For example, you must
realize that you have to set different goals for children
than for adults, since there are so many differences
between children and adults. If your child is under the
age of 14, this is even more important. It is very easy for
a child to overdo exercise and injure himself if he tries
to please you and/or keep up with you. A child's abilities
and endurance limits are different than yours.
This may seem like an unneccessary warning nowadays, but a
child should never go running alone. Too many things can
happen to adults as well as to children, but children are
vulnerable. There is always the threat of a predator adult,
but in addition, the child may fall and not be able to make
it to safety, suffer from dehydration, or get hit by a car.
These problems can befall adults as well, but an adult is
better equipped to care for himself if he finds himself in
such a situation alone. So always accompany your child when
he or she goes running.
Too many parents today are pushing their children to ever
more lofty goals. Trying to have your child set difficult
distance goals is asking for trouble. A child should not be
pushedt to the limit. Young children should not be expected
to run more than three miles, round trip. Longer distances
can cause joint pain, shin splints and other types of
injuries that growing bones should not have to endure.
Temperature plays an important role in a child's
endurance. When temperatures are extreme, it's never a good
idea to go running. In the intense heat, illnesses
related to dehydration or sunstroke could be a factor and
children have a greater sensitivity to heat than their
adult counterparts. If temperature is an issue, plan to
take them running in the early morning or evening when the
sun isn't bearing down on them.
Water is the ideal beverage for quenching thirst and
keeping the body hydrated. Don't waste your money on sports
drinks.Plain. old fashioned water is the best thing, and
it's free. The child should drink a glass of water 20
minutes before running, and bring water along for staying
hydrated along the way. Do not allow your child to drink
iced tea or other beverages that contain caffeine. Despite
its refreshing qualities, the caffeine in iced tea speeds
up the dehydration process.This can be especially dangerous
for children whose smaller bodies lose water more quickly
than adults', and for girls, who risk bone damage when
caffeine robs the bones of necessary calcium.
Make sure that both clothing and shoes are lightweight and
light in color, as well. Socks should be worn, but again,
they should be lightweight, in order to absorb the sweat
from their feet, and on hot, sunny days, a hat should be
part of their ensemble, as well. Since clothing that's
lighter in color will keep them cooler by reflecting the
sun's ray (not to mention, they're better for visibility),
then encourage white or pastel colored attire.
By following these simple rules, and starting slowly,
please don't break into a full run from the beginning,
then your children should stay safe and gain a great many
benefits from their fitness program.
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